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Champion Update Q&A: Taric, the Shield of Valoran [COMPLETE]

RiotA Small Man··36 votes·134,463 views


Hey everyone!

We've gathered a bunch of Rioters from the Taric team for some Q&A about the Shield of Valoran himself! Whether you're interested in Taric's gameplay, story, or art, ask away and we'll be happy to answer!

On hand for questions today we have:
  • David "RiotRepertoir" Capurro - Designer
  • George "Glorft" Krstic - Writer
  • Paul "Partiest Cat" Jarvis - Animator
  • Kory "Ququroon" Dearborne - QA
  • Ryan "Reav3" Mireles - Production
  • Janelle "RiotStellari" Jimenez - Promotion
  • Jake "LoveCommander" Pearce - Promotion
  • Chris "Pwyff" Tom - Cool Guy

    • Check out these links if you need to get up to speed:


    The Ascent - Why do you climb?



    Champion Update: Taric, the Shield of Valoran - Check out Taric's update reveal.



    PBE Gameplay Livestream - Designer Repertoir demos Taric's PBE gameplay.



    Champion Bio: Taric - The best weapons are beautiful.



    Champion Insights: Taric - The story behind Taric's update.



    Champion Dev Podcast - Inside Taric's dev with the designers.


    732 Comments

    Akiba44 votes

    Would you ever consider a Debonair Taric skin? I think it would suit him well.

    Dobyk25 votes

    I have a question that might be considered mature for the audience, but I'm curious nevertheless. The question of Taric's sexuality has often been seen through the prism of jokes and memes and for better or worse has never been addressed. Thus, many players, especially those among us who are gay, have projected different values onto Taric and the gay players among us were able to bond with him. Simultaneously, most players are still quite homophobic and the idea that Taric might not be entirely straight seems scary to them. Although not central to his concept per se, "sexuality" is something inherently related to love, and from what I've read so far and heard from the podcast, Taric appreciates all eathrly aspects of life and puts special emphasis on love and beauty.

    Personally, I think you have guys have left him quite ambiguous on that front and open to interpretation and personal projection. Still, I had to ask.... xD The lack of any compliments for male champions (no, not Ezreal) in his voiceover kind of left me confused.

    So, does Taric appreciate only the beauty of women (Ashe, Diana), and the love between a man and a woman, or???? Is he straight, gay or..... multi-faceted? I'm dying to know xD

    Edit: Btw, I'm not rooting for a solid confirmation, I like the ambiguity, but I am quite curious what Riot actually thinks, given how many gay people (and there are gay people people playing LoL) have connected with the non-hetero "memes".

    RiotReav335 votes

    Taric loves all life on Runeterra and appreciates the beauty in everyone, it's not specific to Ashe & Diana.

    We wanted to tell a great story about a kind, protector. Much like the rest of our cast, Taric's story is open for interpretation and stories we might create in the future.

    Mr Tim22 votes

    Can you please describe Taric's daily health/beauty routine? How does he maintain that chest? What does he eat for breakfast? What hair products does he use?

    RiotQuquroon57 votes

    For his hair, he cheats and totally uses starlight to manage the luster in his hair.

    For his chest, he eats 5 dozen eggs in the morning to help him get large.

    Riot Stellari79 votes

    No one's slick as Gaston Taric No one's quick as Gaston Taric No one's neck's as incredibly thick as Gaston's Taric's For there's no man in town half as manly Perfect, a pure paragon!

    RiotQuquroon31 votes

    My what a guy that Taric

    GKazuaki30 votes

    [{quoted}](name=Riot Stellari,realm=NA,application-id=3ErqAdtq,discussion-id=T4AzYn4T,comment-id=001000000001,timestamp=2016-04-13T19:30:56.591+0000)

    Perfect, a pure paragon!

    Don't you mean Perfect, a pure targon?

    Riot Stellari26 votes

    I thought it but it didn't rhyme but then nothing rhymed so I just gave up =(

    Battlecat1019 votes

    holy shit this disney reference XD

    Sir Nope22 votes

    If that's the case, his model is too small; he needs to be roughly the size of a barge.

    Clambi16 votes

    Does Taric like Ezreal?

    RiotRiotRepertoir86 votes

    Taric likes everyone.

    TiberiusAudley32 votes

    Does this mean Taric is confirmed, canonically pansexual?

    mvmlego30 votes

    I think he was using the word "like" in the literal, generic sense.

    Solidair315 votes

    Hey guys, I’m a HUGE fan of Taric, he was the first support champion I ever bought with IP way back in S2, and I love what you guys have done with him! He looks better than I could have hoped, and I’m happy to see him finally getting the love he deserves! I have a few questions for you guys (a little bit for each of you):

    1. In the Taric dev podcast, you guys mentioned that each Aspect has a little more Targon or a little more humanity in them in a unique way from and Aspect to Aspect basis. I know you guys said you threw out the chart/graph/whatever, but can you tell us where the other Aspects stand in regards to this system. Pantheon is obviously 99-100% War Aspect with little to no human, but where do Diana and Leona stand?

    2. Going along with this, would it be accurate to say that The Protector see’s Aurelion Sol’s slavery to the star crown as unjust? Or is that more Taric’s thing, and he and the Protector don’t have to agree on every minute detail? His quote to Aurelion Sol is that “No star should be bound.” Taric even sounds a bit reverent when he says it. (Also, Yuri Lowenthal did such a good job!)

    3. In the update, you’ve switched Taric’s hammer to a mace. What was the reasoning behind this? Was it because you wanted to leave everything Old Taric behind, or was it more to do with his “new” battle cleric theme, and clerics being more associated with maces?’

    4. Before Taric became the Aspect of the Protector, did he have any magical potential? And how strong was he? Garen is obviously very strong but doesn’t exactly have magic, it seems. Obviously becoming an Aspect powers you up, I’m just curious where he stood among humans before his ascension to aspecthood.

    5. I can’t imagine this new ultimate, Cosmic Radiance, was the first one you came up with when developing his new kit. Can you tell us about some other things you concepted before settling on this one?

    6. Taric’s comic, Ascent, is my favorite piece of out-of-the-game content I’ve seen in a very long time. I’m currently using the final image of Ascent as my desktop, it’s so beautiful! What was the process for writing this piece, and how did you decide on the art style? (also, the “guy” near the top, was that a (fake) Noxian or a (fake) Freljordian?) And not a question, but I really liked the part where it looks like he was going to slap the guy, but instead he gave him his cape! And the line “I know, but I promise I’ll never stop trying” actually made my heart race! So good!

    7. Can you tell us about some VO lines that didn’t quite make the cut but you liked? I was surprised you didn’t go for an allied Ezreal taunt! (Love him in the armor of the fifth age splash, though!)

    8. Did any of your exploration into this rework get affected by the threads IronStylus made way back when talk of a Taric rework even happening started? Some of the suggestions in those threads seem to have been taken to heart, but I guess it’s possible you went that way on your own.

    9. Was Emerald Taric always going to go the foresty/nature route or did you have any other ideas?

    That’s probably enough pestering you, thanks again for the rework! And sorry about the lengthy post!

    Riot Stellari15 votes

    Taric’s comic, Ascent, is my favorite piece of out-of-the-game content I’ve seen in a very long time. I’m currently using the final image of Ascent as my desktop, it’s so beautiful! What was the process for writing this piece, and how did you decide on the art style? (also, the “guy” near the top, was that a (fake) Noxian or a (fake) Freljordian?) And not a question, but I really liked the part where it looks like he was going to slap the guy, but instead he gave him his cape! And the line “I know, but I promise I’ll never stop trying” actually made my heart race! So good!

    I'm not the best person to answer the other questions, but I can definitely tackle this one. I'm super happy to hear that you liked the Ascent, it was a labor of love for us. Literal blood, sweat and tears (okay, no blood.) For writing, we wanted to give players a way to 'say goodbye' and that he was leaving his past behind. Everyone was really drawn to the story of Taric's climb on Targon and what that might be like for him.

    For the art style, we wanted to do something a little different than the other comics we've done (I also produced the Poppy comic)--since Taric was Demacian, we wanted something more "Demacia." A little more traditional, painterly, and classic.

    [edit] And the dude at the top is a Noxian :)

    RiotRiotRepertoir22 votes

    I can’t imagine this new ultimate, Cosmic Radiance, was the first one you came up with when developing his new kit. Can you tell us about some other things you concepted before settling on this one?

    A very long range version of his old targeted stun Channeled resurrection Offense/defense form swap Some variant of a PBAoE charm

    ForgottenLuck12 votes

    I have a couple question’s: How deep are Garen’s and Taric friend ship?

    I like to speculate that Garen banished Taric for him to be free of Demacian duty and justice and also saving his friend from a greater punishment am I thinking in the right direction?

    Taric is a guardian of beauty and love, does he know of Garen’s and Kat’s feeling to each other?

    And if so what are his thoughts on it or what would they be if he found out about them?

    Thank you very much and I await your answer

    RiotGlorft16 votes

    In many ways, Taric sees Garen as his brother, and at one time Garen felt the same - not so much now though.

    If Taric did know about Kat & Garen, he would die before revealing their secret.

    sadness very big12 votes

    If someone wanted to stamp out all life on Runeterra, Teemo for example, would Taric hunt him down?

    Riot Stellari40 votes

    Yes.

    With impunity.

    RiotQuquroon26 votes

    Yes.

    With fervor.

    Solidair333 votes

    I feel like when Taric attacks Teemo, it should use the same quote as it does for baron: "I know I'm supposed to cherish all life, but come on"

    FlakJackit11 votes

    If he looks like this, is it safe to assume that "The Protector" has even MORE outrageous hair?

    RiotQuquroon41 votes

    Negative, why do you think The Protector approved of him?

    Serith Vastyne11 votes

    From a lore standpoint, will Taric be the one to help ease the current warfare/tenions between Leona and Diana and the Solari and Lunari to fight off the Void? It already looks like that Diana and Taric are already on the same page in terms of objectives.

    RiotGlorft34 votes

    Taric is not a peace-maker or diplomat - if some fool threatens the things he holds dear, they are going down. This would include Leona, Diana, etc...

    D Reus11 votes

    Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the truest of them all?

    RiotQuquroon28 votes

    My Lord, on this day one has come of gems truer even than you. He is the reason your powers wane.

    AtroposWraith10 votes

    Hi there, I've always tried to catch these Q&A's but was always too late. I'm glad I caught this one.

    But the question I have is: How does Taric see some of the Demacian champions now? For example, what's his opinion on Jarvan, Shyvana, or Xin Zhao, to name a few.

    RiotQuquroon30 votes

    Taric himself still loves them dearly, and thinks of them fondly. However, it's tense on the Demacian side due to that whole exile thing.

    Basically, family reunions aren't the best.

    Ichabod Kong9 votes

    OH! What made you guys decide for the new Armor of the Fifth Age model?

    Also, What would Taric's child hood have been like?

    Edit: I've been a Taric main for two years, and I am really excited about this update, and the Q&A :D

    RiotReav340 votes

    We wanted to make 5th "fun" skin. We really wanted his skin portfolia to have 3 very different takes on Taric. So..

    5th Age: Fun Skin Emerald: Elegant skin Bloodstone: Dark, Evil skin

    We also thought it would be a fun skin to incorporate some of the fan art for that skin since it is such a beloved skin from the community.

    Jon11748 votes

    How Does Taric Feel About Non-Life such as Karthus and Viktor?

    Riot Stellari32 votes

    The Shadow Isles represent the anti-thesis of love, life, and beauty so Taric would probably have a problem with anyone who embraces that kind of ethos.

    firesfrost7 votes

    When can we expect Taric to drop onto Live servers?

    That said, do you think we can see more splash arts done like Armor of the Fifth Age? I really love the little easter eggs and involvement of other champion skins in these splash arts and they come out very well done. props to the artists.

    RiotReav326 votes

    It should be live in the next patch, so around Tuesday/Wed of next week, unless the patch gets delayed for some reason.

    We always like to get these easter eggs in when we can. You can see some of that in the recent Shen skin splashes we did as well!

    krlpdd357 votes

    ok i don't see how no one i saw in here asked this: does new taric have new favorite food? if yes what?

    Riot Stellari47 votes

    Taric's probably always loved great meals with wine and the company of friends, in my head cannon he loves fine dining and whatever the Runeterran version of molecular gastronomy is. He probably loves kale. He probably takes pictures of his food.

    Quepha27 votes

    [{quoted}](name=Riot Stellari,realm=NA,application-id=3ErqAdtq,discussion-id=T4AzYn4T,comment-id=00450000,timestamp=2016-04-13T19:49:42.635+0000)

    He probably loves Kayle.

    OTP

    The Sad Moon Boi7 votes

    Taric is my current main support (lv 5 mastery Taric's united!!!) and I have a couple of questions regarding the new Taric.

    1. I really liked his total damage output of the old Taric, it is what made him unique, and I really enjoyed it. Of course he was really really easely kited out and struggled against AP comps. My question here is, because two of his damage abilities (W/R) got removed, won't his damage get down? It's one of the main things I liked about Taric, and I'd hate to see him struggle because he's lacking damage.

    2. I do like his Q/E changes (skillshot in favor for AoE stun, me likes), but I feel his W and R are lackluster. His W is basically a Kalista link that can be recast, so no reason to max it (shield is rather weak from what I've tried out on PBE). And his ult I feel is completely out of line with the rest of his kit. I really dislike it. Ignoring that I personally dislike immunity ults, but the 2.5 sec cast time is just forcing the assassin meta again. Basically if Taric is dominating, hello assassin meta again. I would prefer his old damage stereoid ult back. Would there be a possibility that his ult grants some small AD/AP boost before the immunity strikes? That would be nice.

    3. Is he gay? Can anyone confirm that? :3 :3 :3

    4. Debonair Taric any time soon? :C

    5. Also we need a full gem Taric skin for real, like he is 100% gems. Would instabuy it.

    6. I like his new theme, about beautiful stuff. What would Jhin think about his idea of beauty?

    7. If Taric would be some other champion's senpai, whose would it be? :# :3 :#

    8. Did you ever consider making an ult for Taric that would charm a couple of enemies into coming close to him? That would be so thematically cool and fun.

    9. What was the craziest ability you had in mind for Taric? Thematically and mechanically?

    EDIT 10) I am thankful that you kept his old joke. Any way you can make it so we can bind that to be the only joke cycling so we can spam it again? It's one of the main things i enjoyed about Taric. :P

    AND OH GOD HOW MUCH I LOVE THE TARIC ZHONYA QUOTE (YOU KNOW WHICH ONE I MEAN)

    Thanks for the answers, sorry for the long post. Some info may not be 100% accurate but I don't even care I like Taric a lot :C

    RiotRiotRepertoir16 votes
    1. I really liked his total damage output of the old Taric, it is what made him unique, and I really enjoyed it. Of course he was really really easely kited out and struggled against AP comps. My question here is, because two of his damage abilities (W/R) got removed, won't his damage get down? It's one of the main things I liked about Taric, and I'd hate to see him struggle because he's lacking damage.

    Taric's passive damage contribution is up pretty substantially. I've seen many people with reactions very similar to yours, and usually their opinion is changed quite a bit after their first couple games because they didn't really believe how much difference there is in the damage his passive and E do now.

    RiotRiotRepertoir16 votes
    1. I do like his Q/E changes (skillshot in favor for AoE stun, me likes), but I feel his W and R are lackluster. His W is basically a Kalista link that can be recast, so no reason to max it (shield is rather weak from what I've tried out on PBE). And his ult I feel is completely out of line with the rest of his kit. I really dislike it. Ignoring that I personally dislike immunity ults, but the 2.5 sec cast time is just forcing the assassin meta again. Basically if Taric is dominating, hello assassin meta again. I would prefer his old damage stereoid ult back. Would there be a possibility that his ult grants some small AD/AP boost before the immunity strikes? That would be nice.

    It's hard to say that Taric's ult alone enforces an assassin meta; it's just one champion/spell. If people feel empowered to pick assassins when they enemy has locked in Taric, then that's great. That's ideal, actually. One of the main purposes of Taric's ult is that it is a powerful defensive ability that is not crushing to burst champions.

    There actually was some offensive purpose to his R several iterations ago, but I removed them because I felt that it muddied the spell.

    DatSas5 votes

    Quick question about his Emerald skin: Will the price be the same as before or will it be changed when its available?

    RiotReav313 votes

    It will be the same.

    Teslablade4 votes

    Will it be back up for sale with the re-release?

    RiotReav39 votes

    Yes! Temporarily though.

    Drunk Tsundere4 votes

    @Partiestcat

    I love the animation for his joke, and the way his crystals are positioned. It's a subtle but nice touch. If I understand correctly, this is your work, isn't it? I am curious about the process by which you do this. Are all of his animations thought of and done by you, made out of solely your own creative mind? Or does Repertoir maybe describe something that he wants to see in game, and then you bring it to life?

    RiotPartiest Cat15 votes

    Thanks! I wish I could take credit for the joke, but that was done by Mike Higgins. It was an awesome idea and was all him!

    I was in charge of a majority of Taric's animations overall and made most of the style calls/decisions for how we wanted him to animate. Repetoir and I sat down early on to go over his kit and figure out expectations and it was up to me to figure out from there -- I'll usually come up with a pitch on some new ideas and share them with the team to see if they stick. Sometimes it's easy and sometimes it's painstaking to nail down something we're happy with!

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